Surgical approaches to congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Surgical repair of the diaphragm is essential for survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). There are many considerations surrounding the operation – why the operation matters, optimal timing of repair and its relation to extracorporeal life support (ECLS) use, minimally invasive versus open approaches, and strategies for reconstruction. Surgery is both affected by, and affects, the physiology of these infants and is an important factor in determining long-term outcomes. Here we discuss the evidence and provide insight surrounding this complex decision making, technical pearls, and outcomes in repair of CDH.